Three former Pioneers living out their dreams playing with Amarillo Dillas

TOMMY YOUNG

Published 7:00 pm, Saturday, June 7, 2008

Herald Staff Writer

AMARILLO - The skyline never will be confused with that of Chicago, New York or Los Angeles. The "Dilla Villa" will never be confused with "the Friendly Confines," "the House Ruth Built," or even "Chavez Ravine." But for three former Wayland Baptist Pioneers, Amarillo is still a field of dreams.

Taylor Allen, Jonathan Reynoso and Brian Bueno are honing their skills and living their dreams of being professional baseball players as part of the Amarillo Dillas of the United Baseball League.

Allen summed up the feelings of the trio when he said, "Waking up and getting to go to the park everyday is something I've dreamed about every day since I was a little kid."

Even though playing baseball is a dream, all three Pioneers acknowledge that at this stage of their lives it's serious business.

"These guys are professional ballplayers," said Reynoso. "Their livelihood depends upon them getting you out however they can, and they will do anything and everything to get you out. My job is to get on (base), and I do that however I can."

Allen added, "Every pitch as this level counts. These are pro hitters; they can take you deep anytime."

Reynoso is doing his job well right now. After going 3-for-4 at the plate in Friday night's 9-8, come-from-behind victory over the Laredo Bronchos, Reynoso is hitting .351 on the season.

The Chandler, Ariz., native misplayed a couple of seemingly routine fly balls in center field but made up for it with an RBI triple that knotted the score at 8 in in the five-run home half of the eighth. He was a home run short of hitting for the cycle.

The second-year Dilla center fielder attributes the success he's had to several factors, including off-season laser surgery on his eyes.

"I am able to see the ball better and recognize pitches better. I'm hitting the ball pretty hard every time," he said.

Reynoso said having a good rookie season (he was a UBL All-Star last year) has helped out this season.

"The guys know that when I'm out there, I'm gonna go out there and get the job done. Their confidence in me has helped my confidence, and that helps me overall."

Allen is in his third year with the club, and while his performance Friday night was not stellar - allowing 10 hits and six earned runs in seven innings - he still wields a respectable 4.32 ERA.

Part of what makes the professional experience even sweeter for the affable right-hander from Littlefield is that he gets to live with his grandparents, Bob and Donna Sanders, while chasing his dream.

Despite only playing every fifth game when he steps in as "personal catcher" for Micah Posey, Bueno is also playing rather well.

Currently, the 23-year old California native is hitting .333 in his limited playing time.

"I've got to wait my turn," said Bueno, who studies how he can improve while being patient and playing the waiting game.

"(Starter) Justin (Wenger) is a good catcher and I can learn a lot from him," he said. "As long as my pitchers are going good, I'm happy with how I'm playing."

Reynoso added, "Lookin' at your stats can get in your way."

Reynoso admits that he hopes Amarillo isn't the end of the line for his baseball career.

"I'm trying to be a smarter, better ballplayer so I can get to the next level, and the next, and so on, until I get to the big leagues."

All three athletes also note that their time in the Wayland baseball program was key to their current baseball fortunes.

"Playing for Coach (Brad) Bass was great," said Bueno. "He let us play and he let us get it done. He doesn't try to tweak much about the way we approach things."

Reynoso acknowledged, "Bass is the main reason I'm here. He gave me an opportunity to play and develop as a player."

Allen added, "I loved playing at Wayland. It really is like a family."

Bass was among the 4,100-plus fans gathered to watch Friday night's game. The trio's mentor is unabashedly proud to see his former players getting this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"The times I've gotten to see these guys play, I have my chest stuck out with pride," Bass said. "It's always been a blast watching these guys and seeing how they love to play ball."

Bass is proud of more than just the on-field accomplishments of his players. He noted how Reynoso finished his degree at Wayland this past spring semester and how Allen is "very close" to completing his.

It is not a surprise to Bass that the former Pioneers are crowd favorites and all are more than willing to spend the time after games signing autographs and visiting with the Dillas' faithful followers.

"I've see them out there signing autographs for the kids for as long as there were people out there," said Bass. "The kids really eat them up, and they should. They are good guys.

Bass concluded, "These three guys really represent themselves, their families, their school and now, their entire organization well."